Empire State of Mind: Ivanka Trump

“I love working with my father! I’ve learned a great deal from him over the years.”

Ivanka Trump has carved a significant niche for herself in today’s business world. She’s one of the most recognizable and influential young business women today, touting the title of Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions for the Trump Organization and principal of Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, just to scratch the surface. Ivanka also recently partnered with Marc Fisher footwear to launch the Ivanka Trump shoe collection, a line of shoes inspired by her glamourous (yet timeless) aesthetic. Chances are, if you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Ivanka in person or trying on a piece of her fine jewelry, you’ve seen her gracing the small screen. She’s a world famous media personality who’s been featured in hundreds of outlets worldwide and is currently one of the stars of NBC’s successful “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Add author to Ivanka’s resume. In 2009 she penned her first book, THE TRUMP CARD: Playing to Win in Work and Life. It seems there’s nothing this renaissance woman can’t or won’t do.

Ivanka launched her eponymous jewelry line in 2007. “I could not be more thrilled with the success and growth my jewelry collection has experienced over the past four years,” explains Ivanka. The line has grown from one store on Madison Avenue to over 60 worldwide exclusive retail partnerships. She’s building an empire, in every endeavor.

Of course, Ivanka doesn’t stop there. She plans to launch a line of outerwear this fall to compliment her jewelry, footwear and handbag lines. Ivanka most certainly has a full plate. “My focus has always been the Trump Organization, as I’m the Executive Vice president of Development and Acquisitions,” explains Ivanka. “The jewelry line was my first independent project outside of Trump Organization, and I was very excited to have an opportunity to bring my passion for jewelry to life. It’s a constant juggle between Trump Org, the jewelry line, the shoes, the handbags, the book and all my endeavors, but my parents had always put an emphasis on hard work and dedication, and I live by that ideal.” It’s an understatement to say she has a good head on her shoulders.

Working with Donald Trump has given her an added sense of satisfaction. “I love working with my father! I’ve learned a great deal from him over the years,” Ivanka says. “He taught me that hard work never goes out of style and to always be prepared for interviews, meetings, discussions, everything. Work hard. Create a strong and consistent identity — your name and reputation are your best assets. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor.”

Ivanka hasn’t built her empire without regards to charity. In March 2010, she announced her philanthropic involvement in the UN Foundation’s Girl Up initiative, a campaign to recruit young women to support UN programs for girls in developing countries. She’s partnered with social activists like Elizabeth Gore and Queen Rania of Jordan, to bring awareness and career skills to young women around the globe.

Speaking of charity, the new season of Celebrity Apprentice is fully underway. It’s inspiring to watch others selflessly play for their charity of choice. “We have an amazing colorful cast this season who are working so hard on behalf of their chosen charities,” explains Ivanka. “It’s wonderful to see such a variety of causes benefitting from their participation.”

Right now Ivanka’s been traveling quite a bit, getting it all in before the upcoming birth of her first child. “When I settle down, I’m looking forward to indulging in some prenatal treatments at the Trump Soho Spa.” Somehow, we don’t see slowing down in Ivanka’s future. This lady’s on a roll!